Super-8 queries

[Riff Conway]

Firstly , there's a bulb replacement process for my eumig 820 sonomatic which I've archived some good photos, from Graham Ritchie. Shouldn't be a problem. Secondly, what does one use to clean film? Back in the day ('80's) Kodak had a good film cleaner solution. Suggestions? Also, I ran out of my Hervic-Minette tape splices, the only cutter I ever used. Anything comparable out there?
Thanks for any input, from an old 8mm filmmaker/artist via University of Buffalo.

[Douglas Meltzer]

Riff,

For film cleaner/lubricant, a number of members use FilmGuard. Here's a recent thread that goes into some detail about application.

I see that Hervic-Minette splicing tape is available on eBay. Otherwise, isn't the Kodak Presstape splicer similar?

[Riff Conway]

I'll look into FilmGuard, the drying time has me a little concerned. I would go to the Kodak press-tape or anything similar that's readily available. I'll check what eBay's charging for the Hervic-Minette. Thanks Doug!

[Leon Norris]

Riff if you are looking for a Hervic tape slicer. For super 8 . I have a couple of new ones available. So just let me know. Leon.

[David Kilderry]

The old Kodak film cleaner in the brown bottle was the best for film, but the worst for the people who used it. I still have a bottle for display.

Don't worry about Filmguard staying on your film, it also works as a lubricant. I use it today at home and we also used it across hundreds of screens at the theatre circuit I worked at for many years.

[John Fedko]

I use FilmRenew from Urbanski AND FilmGuard. I have several 16mm vinegar syndrome films that run perfectly with this system . I do have an RTI machine that applies the FilmRenew evenly but I have two towers that fit 2000ft 16mm reels to do it manually . I let the FilmRenew dry overnight , then apply FilmGuard the next day . I run prints, Super 8 and 16mm right after FilmGuard application and have had stunning results . I highly recommend both but FilmGuard is a must . I don’t care what research has said about it. I’m convinced it doesn’t cure vinegar but it definitely halts it !!! Of course store vinegar films OUTSIDE a can or box in open air where it’s cool and dry . I have some vinegar films that have almost completely lost the smell in this system

[Dominique De Bast]

I use FilmRenew from Urbanski AND FilmGuard. I have several 16mm vinegar syndrome films that run perfectly with this system .

I'm surprised by your experience. I was told not to apply Filmguard on films affected by vs, as that would prevent them to breath. The advise was to let such films in open air for some months, and then use Filmguard on them.

[John Fedko]

I agree with that advice …. Keep vs films in cool dry place out of boxes and cans for about 6 months and THEN apply FilmRenew and FilmGuard … that’s at least how I’ve done it and my vs films are super ! I have about 1000 films, about 10 with vs, and my vs films project perfectly and some have almost completely lost the smell . I’ve collected films for 60 years. My only vs films are ones I’ve bought on eBay / again , it appears some have actually been cured by FilmRenew and FilmGuard .
For FilmGuard by the way … visit Steve Osborne’s site - he’s the Wizard of Super 8- a legend - he has been FilmGuard guru for years - get it there ..

https://thereelimage.jimdofree.com.

[John Fedko]

The other point I wanted to make about FilmGuard is … I run films in my projectors right after applying FilmGuard . I don’t believe you have to let FilmGuard dry (FilmRenew SHOULD have at least one overnight to dry before using ) . And yes, it’s important to clean Super 8 projectors sound heads with alcohol A LOT (also demagnetize them now and then).

[John Fedko]

Here’s the RTI machine I use for FilmRenew application . Then apply FilmGuard with towers . My work area where I have line of films to be cleaned . Care for your films and they will last a lifetime .

[John Fedko]

Finished product - a brilliant stunning print of Peter Pan freshly FilmRenewed and FilmGuarded!

[Alan Paterson]

I can't get Film Renew here in the UK (as it seems to be banned by the EU) and only have a tiny drop left in a bottle. Does anyone know if there's a way around this supply problem? I use Filmguard now but if I get a dry, brittle print I use Film Renew first. I won't be able to do that when the Film Renew is finished.

[Osi Osgood]

Film guard is excellent, but it takes very little to go a long way. I have a print that I film guarded, and it was so dirty, that done of the blasted dirt got stuck on the film after film guard, but once I ran the cloth on the treated film a second time, it got much better!

[John Fedko]

Alan - you can buy FilmRenew on eBay from Urbanski .

[Alan Paterson]

Sadly they don't do international shipping, John.
EBay don't allow it on Film Renew.